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The Star
04-08-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Laos steps up support for flood-hit provinces
On Aug 3, Vice President Pany Yathotou visited Hat Bo village in Nohet district, Xieng Khouang Province, to deliver essential supplies to families impacted by the floods. -- Photo credit: Vientiane Mai via Loatian Times VIENTIANNE (Laotian Times): Lao authorities are stepping up efforts to help residents affected by recent floods, as damage reports continue to come in from several provinces. On 3 August, Vice President Pany Yathotou visited Hat Bo village in Nohet district, Xieng Khouang Province, to deliver essential supplies to families impacted by the floods. The remote village was flooded on 22 July, affecting 34 houses and causing one death. Roads are still blocked, making recovery work more challenging. Pany stressed the need to get relief supplies to those who need them and urged local authorities to focus on fixing damaged infrastructure, such as homes, schools, and roads. She also called for urgent plans to relocate families living in dangerous areas near riverbanks to safer locations. She emphasized that district leaders should stay in close contact with affected communities to monitor their needs, properly assess the damage, and help families return to normal life as soon as possible. Kasi District Improves Flood Preparedness with New Equipment Flood preparedness and disaster response efforts are also underway at the community level. On 1 August, the Lao Red Cross and local officials provided early warning systems, rescue tools, and emergency funds to six villages in Kasi district, Vientiane Province. This effort is part of a larger disaster risk reduction project to improve community resilience. Somdok Khamphenxay, Deputy Director of the Vientiane Red Cross, said that 47 people, including village volunteers and members of district disaster committees, have been trained to respond better during emergencies. The equipment, valued at over LAK 205 million (USD 9,599), will be used for public awareness activities and rescue operations. Local villages have also set up funds for maintaining the equipment and buying medical supplies to ensure long-term preparedness. Nationwide Fundraising to Support Flood Recovery At the national level, the government has launched a fundraising campaign to support flood-hit provinces after the widespread damage caused by Typhoons Wutip and Wipha earlier this year. An official statement from the Central Disaster Management Committee, issued on 30 July, called on state enterprises, private companies, individuals, and organizations, both in Laos and abroad, to contribute donations. Relief efforts continue, with Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune handing over emergency supplies worth more than LAK 769 million (US$36,011) to authorities in Xieng Khouang on 29 July. Flooding over the past two months has caused severe damage in 14 provinces, affecting over 26,000 families and damaging thousands of homes, schools, and vital infrastructure. Provincial disaster committees are working closely with local authorities to assess needs and distribute aid. Xieng Khouang province has allocated LAK 140 million (US$6,556) for emergency support, while more funds and supplies have been sent to affected districts like Xieng Nguen and Nan. Work is ongoing to repair damaged roads, assist displaced families, and ensure that food, medicine, and other essential items reach those in need. Lao officials have reaffirmed their commitment to speeding up recovery efforts and continuing support for flood-affected communities, as the country remains on alert for more rainfall in the coming weeks. - Laotian Times
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos' Luang Prabang surges past tourism goals with over 1.1 million visitors, fuelling economic growth
VIENTIANE (Loatian Times): Luang Prabang experienced a tourism boom in the first quarter of the year, generating US$584,665,369 million in revenue, marking a 162 per cent increase in tourist numbers compared to the same period last year. Between January and March, the province welcomed 1,167,581 visitors, including 459,091 domestic travellers and 708,490 international tourists. This represents a significant increase of 722,679 visitors year-over-year, according to Soudaphone Khomthavong, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department. In 2024, Luang Prabang saw a total of over 2.3 million tourists, far exceeding its original target of 900,000. This influx played a key role in driving the province's GDP to LAK 3,989 billion (approximately US$183 million), with an average income of US$1,897 per person. The province continues to focus on development in key areas such as education, infrastructure, and tourism. As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the province, a meeting was held on April 21 at the Luang Prabang Military Command to address the shortage of teachers and improve educational outcomes. The session focused on identifying key challenges in human resource development and exploring practical solutions to support workforce growth across multiple sectors. In February, Luang Prabang was officially declared a 'poverty-free' and 'comprehensively strong' city, reflecting significant strides in regional development. -- Laotian Times
